Here you will find summaries of recent articles about Canadian immigration and topics related to living in Canada. At the end of each news summary, you will have the option to click on a link to read the full offsite article. Please note that Canadian Visa Professionals does not have any association with these other websites and is not responsible for their content. This information is made available as a service to people who are interested in living and working in Canada and who want to learn more about Canadian immigration and relevant issues.

CANADA INCREASES SPENDING FOR IMMIGRANT SETTLEMENT SERVICES

On January 3, 2019, Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that the government will boost spending in order to help new immigrants find jobs in Canada. He said that 16 organizations will receive a total of $113 million in government funding through 2023 to provide immigrants with settlement services to make it easier for them to relocate to Canada. Some of the services available to new immigrants can be accessed before they actually immigrate to Canada. For example, Canadian employment services that are specific to a new immigrant’s career are offered, such as providing guidance to those who need to obtain a special license before they can work in Canada in their profession. This extra assistance can give new immigrants a head start on their relocation to Canada and increase their likelihood for a smooth transition in their new country. According to data released by Statistics Canada in December 2018, immigrants account for a growing percentage of all people working in Canada To read the full article, click here!

CANADIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS ATTRACT MORE FOREIGN STUDENTS

The number of international students living in Canada keeps going up each year, rising 60% between 2015 and 2018, according to a report published in January 2019. For example, there were 350,130 foreign students attending Canadian educational institutions in 2015, but this surged to 410,400 during 2016, soared to 494,525 in 2017, and spiked to around 570,000 during 2018. Many international students choose to study in Canada because of its world-class educational institutions, the warm welcome given to people from other countries, the high standard of living in Canada, and employment opportunities available there, among other reasons. To read more, click here!

MANY REFUGEES FROM SYRIA READY TO APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP

Some of the first Syrian refugees to relocate to Canada only three years ago have already satisfied the residency requirement to apply for Canadian citizenship. It was back on December 10, 2015, that Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, along with other officials and a large crowd of Canadian citizens, greeted the 163 Syrian refugees who arrived at Toronto’s international airport, welcoming them as new permanent residents of Canada. They were part of the first wave of 58,600 refugees fleeing the Syrian Civil War who would be welcomed to join the Canadian family over the next several months. Fast-forward to December 2018 and many of those immigrants have now been living in Canada for the three years required of permanent residents before they can apply for Canadian citizenship. To read more, click here!

HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WORKING IN CANADA SINCE 1976

The percentage of working age adults with jobs in Canada is now at the highest level in four decades, according to data released by Statistics Canada on December 7, 2018. In November 2018, Canada’s already low unemployment rate of 5.8% dropped down to just 5.6% after more than 94,000 Canadian jobs (89,900 full-time) were added to the world’s 10th largest economy. Quebec led the other provinces and territories in job creation with 26,000 new positions filled in November 2018, followed by Alberta with 24,000; Ontario with 20,000; and British Columbia which added 16,000 Canadian jobs to the country’s workforce. The Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey for November 2018 also reported that British Columbia had the lowest unemployment rate of any province or territory (4.4 percent), followed by Quebec (5.4 percent), then Saskatchewan (5.5 percent), Ontario (5.6 percent), Manitoba (5.7 percent), and Alberta (6.3 percent). To read the full article, click here!

MAJOR INCREASE PLANNED FOR CANADIAN IMMIGRATION ADMISSIONS

On October 31, 2018, the Canadian government announced a major increase in the number of people who will be authorized for immigration to Canada during the next three years. According to the updated Canadian immigration plan, approximately 330,800 people will be permitted to move to Canada as new permanent residents in 2019. This is is much higher than the goal of 310,000 Canadian visas authorized for new permanent residents during 2018. The target set for immigration to Canada soars to 341,000 in 2020, and climbs even further to 350,000 Canadian visas for permanent residency in 2021. According to Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, there is a growing hunger for workers who are needed to fill jobs in Canada left vacant due to an ongoing labor shortage. Consequently, most of the Canadian immigration visas will be granted to skilled foreign workers and their accompanying family members during the 2018-2021 time period. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen have both said that the thousands of skilled foreign workers who relocate to Canada each year give the country and its economy a big competitive advantage over other countries, like the United States. To read more, click here!

CANADIANS ARE AMONG THE MOST PROSPEROUS PEOPLE ON THE PLANET

The Credit Suisse Research Institute’s 2018 Global Wealth Report reveals that adults living in Canada are among the richest people in the world, with an average net worth of $288,260 USD. The report also says that Canada currently boasts 1.3 million millionaires in 2018, but that number is forecast to climb by 54% to almost two-million by 2023. Furthermore, the prosperity enjoyed by Canadians is rather widespread, with Credit Suisse reporting that the wealth of 46% of the adults living in Canada is between $100,000 and $1 million. There is also higher financial equality in Canada, compared to people living in other wealthy countries such as the United States. To read the full article, click here!

RANKING OF THE BEST JOBS IN CANADA FOR 2018

A report released in September 2018 by CanadianBusiness.com has information that may be of interest to people seeking work in Canada. Details are provided for the 100 best jobs in Canada for 2018, including their median salaries, job descriptions, qualifications required, and career opportunities. The #1 Canadian job listed for 2018 is utilities manager, which has a median salary of $114,000 per year. Engineering manager, with a median annual salary of $109,000, came in 2nd place in the ranking of top jobs in Canada. Although many of the best Canadian careers require a university education, several of the top jobs in Canada do not demand a degree. For example, pipefitting supervisor was named as the #3 best Canadian job for 2018, has a median yearly salary of $83,000, and usually requires a secondary school diploma, followed by an apprenticeship, trade certification and work experience. Pharmacist came in fourth place and pays a median salary of $104,000 per year, while public administration director was ranked as the #5 top job in Canada and has a median annual salary of $114,000. For more details about the best Canadian careers for 2018, click here!

CANADIAN CITIES INCLUDED IN 2018 LIST OF WORLD’S TOP PLACES TO LIVE

The Economist published its annual ranking of the world’s most livable cities in August 2018 and included Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto in its list of top 10 global cities for quality of life. There were 140 cities evaluated by the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit, which rated each city for its culture and environment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and stability. The top 10 most livable cities in the world for 2018 are: #1 Vienna (Austria), #2 Melbourne (Australia), #3 Osaka (Japan), #4 Calgary (Canada), #5 Sydney (Australia), #6 Vancouver (Canada), Toronto (Canada) and Tokyo (Japan) tied for 7th place, #9 Copenhagen (Denmark), and #10 Adelaide (Australia). For the past several years, The Economist has included Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto in its list of the 10 best cities to live in the world. To read the full article, click here!

PERMANENT RESIDENCY OFFERED TO IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS

Canada’s province of Newfoundland & Labrador recently added two new categories to its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) intended to make it easier for immigrant entrepreneurs to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. For example, qualifying international students who graduate from university in Newfoundland & Labrador and launch a startup company in the province may be able to apply for Canadian permanent residency through the PNP after the new business has been operating for one year. Thousands of international students are attending university in Newfoundland & Labrador and provincial government officials want to retain this foreign talent to help stimulate the local economy and create new Canadian jobs there. To read more, click here!

THE BEST CANADIAN CITIES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS

On July 31, 2018, MoneySense.ca released its list of the best places for new immigrants to live in Canada. This 2018 evaluation examined 415 Canadian cities based upon 10 factors: economy, affordability, health, weather, commute, crime, taxes, demographics, culture, and amenities. Ontario boasted six of the top 10 best cities for newcomers to live in Canada, including #1 Oakville, #2 Ottawa, #4 King, #5 Toronto, #6 Milton, and #10 Vaughan. The French-speaking province of Quebec had three of the top 10 best cities for immigrants to live in Canada: #3 Mont-Royal, #7 Brossard, and #9 Westmount. The city of Delta, a suburb of Vancouver in British Columbia, came in 8th place. If you are considering relocation to Canada and want to view the full list of 100 top Canadian cities for newcomers, click here!

IMMIGRATION TO CANADA PUSHES POPULATION PAST 37 MILLION

According to a report released by Statistics Canada on June 14, 2018, the population of Canada is now over 37 million people. The report revealed that the Canadian population hit 37,067,011 on April 1, 2018. The data indicated that it only took 14 months for Canada’s population to go from 36 million to 37 million, with most of the population growth coming from Canadian immigration. For example, during the first three months of 2018, Canada’s population increased by 103,157 residents, with Canadian immigration accounting for 88,120 (or 85 percent) of that total, which includes both permanent residents and temporary residents. To read more, click here!

PEOPLE WORKING IN CANADA DOING BETTER THAN U.S. COUNTERPARTS

A new study released in June 2018 says that the Canadian labor force has been in a better position overall than US workers during the past 18 years. The study conducted by Statistics Canada examined labor data about working-age Canadians and Americans since 2000, which included the periods of the Global Financial Crisis and the economic recovery which followed. According to the report, the Canadian employment rate increased overall from 80% to 82% during the past 18 years, while the US rate of employment dropped from 81% to 79% in the same time frame. The analysis of labor statistics from both countries also revealed that the average wages for people working in Canada increased 7% for men and 14% for women since 2000, while the average pay for American workers dropped 2% for men and grew 5% for women over the past 18 years. Furthermore, the Canadian construction and housing sectors were not affected by the Global Financial Crisis anywhere near the extent that occurred in the United States. To read the full article, click here!

CANADIAN JOB OPPORTUNITIES ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Business is booming on Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, where immigrants have found big opportunities for employment. Prince Edward Island is located in eastern Canada along its Atlantic coast and only has a population of around 150,000 residents. This scenic Canadian province, which is known for its beautiful golf courses and small-town charm, is enjoying strong economic growth and is creating many new Canadian jobs. A shortage of skilled workers on Prince Edward Island helped wages to rise 3.6% during the past year, which was the third highest pay increase of any Canadian province after British Columbia and Ontario. With new housing starts on P.E.I. soaring by 64% in 2017 (the national average in Canada was 11% last year), skilled tradespeople are in very high demand there. Much of the healthy economic growth taking place on Prince Edward Island has been attributed to a record expansion of exports from the tiny province, as well as an influx of immigrants (with approximately 2,350 permanent residents arriving there during 2017). To read more, click here!

CANADA’S 10 PROVINCES ALL HAD POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH DURING 2017

Alberta led Canada’s 10 provinces with the highest percentage of GDP economic growth (4.9 percent) during 2017. This oil-rich Canadian province was not alone, however, as all 10 provinces in Canada experienced positive GDP growth last year. For example, British Columbia’s economy grew 3.9% in 2017, followed by Prince Edward Island with 3.2% and Quebec with 3.1% GDP growth. Canada’s prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan both saw their economies grow by a healthy 2.9% during 2017, while the GDP of Ontario rose by an impressive 2.8 percent. Even Canada’s Atlantic Provinces performed well economically last year. For example, the GDP of Newfoundland & Labrador grew by 2.1 percent, the economy of New Brunswick expanded by 1.9 percent, and the GDP of Nova Scotia increased by 1.2 percent in 2017. This was the first time since 2011 that the economies of all 10 Canadian provinces had positive GDP growth in the same year. Overall, the Canadian economy expanded by a robust 3.3 percent in 2017 and created 394,200 full-time jobs in Canada. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN VISA PROGRAM SEEKS FOREIGN WORKERS FOR PROVINCES

There has been a steady increase in the number of skilled foreign workers who immigrate to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), according to a recent study. The report notes that 10% of all skilled foreign workers approved for Canadian immigration a decade ago arrived through the PNP, but today that has risen to over 25 percent. Furthermore, the study reveals that a growing number of economic immigrants who move to Canada through the PNP are settling in provinces and territories other than British Columbia, Ontario, or Quebec (the top three destinations for immigrants). The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of several Canadian immigration programs and its goal is to attract qualified foreign workers whose skills are needed in different provinces or territories in Canada. Each province and territory that participates in the PNP has established its own criteria for applicants in cooperation with the national Canadian immigration agency which has the sole authority to issue a visa to Canada. In many cases, the eligibility requirements for the PNP are easier to meet than the criteria for other Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers. For example, the study reports that 54% of foreign workers approved to immigrate to Canada through the PNP in 2010-2015 held a university degree, compared to 83% granted a Canadian visa through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) during the same time period. To read more, click here!

FOREIGN WORKERS RECRUITED FOR JOBS IN QUEBEC

The French-speaking province of Quebec is experiencing a labor shortage, so a job fair was recently held in Montreal to recruit immigrants to the local workforce. Quebec has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada and its growing economy has been producing thousands of full-time jobs, but employers have been struggling to find enough qualified workers to fill all of the new positions. Statistics Canada reports that 149,900 full-time jobs in Quebec were created from March 2017 to March 2018. This was a 4.5% increase in full-time employment in Quebec and the highest percentage jump for full-time jobs in Canada of any province or territory during this 12-month period. To read the full article, click here!

IMMIGRANTS FEEL WELCOMED LIVING IN CANADA

A recent survey of 2,000 Canadians finds that the majority of people who live in Canada have a positive view of immigrants. The Environics Institute for Survey Research conducted the survey in February 2018 and also discovered that 80% of Canadians believe that immigrants are important for Canada’s economy. These favorable findings regarding Canadian immigration are consistent with positive attitudes toward immigrants maintained by people who live in Canada for the past several decades. Thus, while many countries have taken a negative view toward immigrants, Canadians continue to welcome newcomers with open arms, including thousands of skilled foreign workers and refugees. To read more, click here!

CANADA IS RANKED AS THE 4TH HAPPIEST COUNTRY FOR IMMIGRANTS

The 2018 World Happiness Report was released by the United Nations in March 2018 and Canada was rated as the 4th happiest country for immigrants to live and ranked as the 7th happiest country overall. Researchers evaluated 156 countries around the world based on such factors as the perceptions of happiness by people living in each country; the per person Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and healthy life expectancy. In regards to immigrants who live in Canada, the 2018 World Happiness Report found that Canadians are among the most accepting of newcomers. To read the full article, click here!

NEW CANADIAN CITIZENS THANKFUL TO LIVE IN CANADA

On February 28, 2018, fifty immigrants took the oath to become Canadian citizens at a special ceremony held in Canada’s Atlantic province of New Brunswick. Among these permanent residents to receive Canadian citizenship were immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine. Many of the immigrants decided to immigrate to Canada to find safety, freedom and better opportunities. All of the immigrants who received their Canadian citizenship are thankful to live in Canada. Smiles and Canadian flags were everywhere at the ceremony that was held in Fredericton, New Brunswick. To read the full article, click here!

STANDARD OF LIVING IN CANADA IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Canada is considered to be the #1 country in the world for quality of life in 2018 and the #2 best country to live overall, according to the 2018 “Best Countries” report released on January 23, 2018, by US News & World Report, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and BAV Consulting. A large survey of 21,000 people in 80 countries asked participants to rate countries on 65 country characteristics which were grouped into nine larger categories: adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, entrepreneurship, heritage, movers, open for business, power and quality of life. Scores based on responses from the 21,000 survey participants were calculated for each of these nine categories and the countries were ranked for each category and also rated overall. The “quality of life” category consisted of the following characteristics: affordability, economic stability, family friendly, good job market, income equality, political stability, safety, having a well-developed public education system, and possessing a well-developed public health system. Canada received high scores on all of these characteristics, placing it in the top position for quality of life. This was not the first time that Canada received high marks as a great place to live. Canada also came in 1st place for quality of life and 2nd place overall in the 2017 “Best Countries” report. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT AT HIGHEST LEVEL IN OVER 40 YEARS!

Strong economic growth in Canada produced many benefits during 2017 for people who live and work in Canada. For example, there were 422,500 new jobs in Canada created in 2017 (394,200 of those new Canadian jobs were full-time positions). The services sector produced 290,300 new Canadian jobs in 2017, while goods-producers created 132,100 new jobs last year, and manufacturing jobs increased in 2017 by 85,700 (the strongest job creation for Canada’s manufacturing sector since 2002). The economy produced 193,400 new jobs in Canada just between September 2017 and December 2017, which is the largest three-month increase in Canadian employment since 1976. Thus, when 2017 came to an end, the unemployment rate in Canada had dropped to 5.7 percent, which is the lowest level in over 40 years! Furthermore, people who work in Canada saw their salaries increase an average of 2.9% during 2017. To read the full article, click here!

NOVA SCOTIA IS A GREAT PLACE FOR IMMIGRANTS TO LIVE IN CANADA

During 2017, over 4,000 new immigrants made their homes in Nova Scotia after moving to Canada. Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces and is located in eastern Canada along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s provincial capital and largest city is Halifax. The top three countries of origin for these new Nova Scotia residents were China, India and The Philippines, which also matches the top three source countries for people who immigrate to Canada. Immigrants who move to Canada and settle in Nova Scotia tend to be successful in terms of finding Canadian employment in their occupations and in regards to starting their own businesses. Nova Scotia residents appreciate the new immigrants and have given these new Canadian permanent residents a warm welcome when they arrive in the province. To read more, click here!

BOOMING CANADIAN JOB MARKET INCREASES CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

As 2017 came to an end, Canadian consumers were optimistic about prospects in the New Year. Canada’s economy is strong, the stock market has been going up, unemployment has been going down, and nearly 400,000 Canadian jobs were filled in the past 12 months. The Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index reveals that optimism among consumers in Canada is at an eight-year high. Furthermore, a recent survey has found that the majority of people who work in Canada feel confident about their job security. This positive outlook about the strength of the economy and Canadian job market is being expressed through continued big spending by people who live in Canada. To read the full article, click here!

SURGE OF IMMIGRANTS APPLYING FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP

There has been a surge in permanent residents applying for Canadian citizenship after new regulations recently made the process easier and faster. The new Canadian citizenship rules, which became effective on October 11, 2017, reduced the number of years that a permanent resident must live in Canada before he or she may apply to become a Canadian citizen. Before the changes, an immigrant had to live in Canada at least four years during a six year period, but under the new rules a permanent resident only needs to live in Canada for three years during a five year period before applying for Canadian citizenship. Another recent rule change allows Canadian permanent residents to count some of the time spent living in Canada as a temporary foreign worker or international student (if applicable) toward the requirement to live in Canada three years prior to applying for Canadian citizenship. Furthermore, permanent residents living in Canada who are over 54 years of age will not have to meet the language and knowledge criteria before applying for Canadian citizenship (under the old rules, this exemption did not start until age 64). During the six months before the easier Canadian citizenship rules went into effect, an average of 3,653 immigrants applied to become a Canadian citizen each week. In the week after the new regulations came into force, the number of applications for Canadian citizenship soared to 17,500. To read more, click here!

HIGHER EDUCATION BOOSTS SALARIES FOR CANADIAN WORKERS

More people who live in Canada are getting a post-secondary education (i.e., a university, college, or vocational school education) and as a result, they are earning higher salaries, according to 2016 Canadian census data. In fact, Canada is ranked #1 among the OECD countries for the percentage (54 percent) of workers between the ages of 24 and 65 who have a university or college degree. Furthermore, the 2016 census reveals that 40% of immigrants who live in Canada have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher credential, compared to 25% of Canadian-born citizens. The higher education possessed by people who work in Canada is paying off with larger salaries. For example, men who work in Canada and hold a Bachelor’s Degree earn a median salary of $82,082 CAD per year, while Canadian men who have an apprenticeship certificate in a skilled trade earn an annual median income of $72,955 CAD. To read the full article, click here!

CREATION OF FULL-TIME JOBS IN CANADA AT RECORD HIGH

During September and October 2017, the Canadian economy produced an impressive 200,700 full-time jobs in Canada, according to data released by Statistics Canada on November 3, 2017. There were 112,000 full-time Canadian jobs created in September 2017, followed by an additional 88,700 new full-time jobs in October 2017. This was a record high for new full-time jobs in Canada during a two-month period. Statistics Canada also reported a net increase of 35,300 new jobs added to the Canadian economy in October 2017, which was more than double the 15,000 new jobs forecast by analysts for that time period. Almost 400,000 new Canadian jobs have been produced during the last 12 months, as Canada’s economy continues its robust expansion. In further good economic news, the Canadian government also reported a substantial increase in wages for people who work in Canada. To read more, click here!

SIGNIFICANT INCREASE FOR CANADIAN IMMIGRATION PLANNED

On November 1, 2017, the Canadian government announced its three-year plan for immigration to Canada, which includes a goal to issue 980,000 Canadian visas to new immigrants between 2018 and 2020. The Canadian immigration target for 2016 and 2017 was 300,000 each year, but that number will increase to 310,000 permanent resident visas granted in 2018, 330,000 during 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. The majority of Canadian visas issued each year will be to skilled foreign workers who are approved for Express Entry immigration to Canada. During 2018, the new Canadian immigration plan seeks to grant permanent residency to 177,500 people through programs for “economic immigrants” (such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program), but that number will soar to 191,600 in 2019 and climb further to 195,800 during 2020. To read the full article, click here!

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION IS MAKING CANADA MORE MULTICULTURAL

According to data from the 2016 census, 21.9% of the 36 million people who live in Canada are immigrants. This is the highest percentage of immigrants to live in Canada since 1931 (85 years ago). By comparison, 19.8% of Canada’s population was foreign-born back in 2006. In addition to immigrants making up a larger proportion of the Canadian population, the 2016 census also reveals that Canada is becoming a more multicultural country in other ways. For example, the 2016 census reports that the majority of immigrants who move to Canada (60 percent) are from countries in Asia. The Philippines is currently the #1 country of origin for new immigrants who live in Canada, followed by #2 India, #3 China, #4 Iran, #5 Pakistan, #6 United States, #7 Syria, #8 United Kingdom, #9 France, and #10 South Korea. Nonetheless, thousands of immigrants also move to Canada from other parts of world. For example, countries in Africa are now the #2 source for Canadian immigration, accounting for 13.4% of new arrivals. Additionally, large numbers of immigrants move to Canada from Europe, Latin America and virtually every region of the planet. With Canada’s government approving approximately 300,000 people for Canadian immigration each year, it is very likely that Canada’s population will continue to become even more diverse in the future. To read more, click here!

NEW RULES MAKE IT EASIER TO BECOME A CANADIAN CITIZEN

It now takes less time for a permanent resident of Canada to become a Canadian citizen under new immigration regulations that went into effect on October 11, 2017. According to the new rules, permanent residents who live in Canada for three years (1,095 days) during a five-year time period and who meet all of the eligibility requirements may apply for Canadian citizenship. Previously, permanent residents had to live in Canada at least four years in the six years prior to applying for Canadian citizenship. To read the full article, click here!

CANADA HAS THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY OF THE G-7 COUNTRIES

Canada is leading the G-7 countries in economic growth, according to information provided by Statistics Canada on August 31, 2017. Boosted by the highest level of consumer spending in Canada since 2008, the Canadian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) soared in the second quarter of 2017 to an annual growth rate of 4.5 percent, outperforming the GDP growth rates of the USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, UK and France. Economists had forecast a robust GDP growth rate of 3.7% in Canada during the same time period. The Canadian economy is currently surging at its strongest level since 2011, creating thousands of jobs in Canada. To read more, click here!

CANADIAN CITIES OFFER HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE

Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are listed among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, according to the ranking of cities published by The Economist in August 2017. The Economist Intelligence Unit measured the quality of life in 140 cities around the world, rating each city on: (1) infrastructure, (2) healthcare, (3) education, (4) stability, and (5) culture and environment. In its 2017 Global Liveability Report, the EIU ranked Vancouver #3, Toronto #4 and Calgary #5 (tied with Adelaide, Australia) for livability. Only two cities received a higher rating for quality of life than these three Canadian cities: Melbourne (Australia) came in 1st place, while Vienna (Austria) was named the #2 most livable city in the world for 2017. These and other incredible cities that lead the world in quality of life share some common characteristics, including: medium size, low population density (compared to larger cities) and being located in a wealthy country. To read the full article, click here!

SURVEY SAYS CANADA IS THE #2 BEST IMMIGRATION DESTINATION FOR 2017

On July 10, 2017, US News & World Report published the results of its survey of 21,000 individuals in 80 countries and ranked Canada the #2 best country for immigrants to live in 2017. The participants of this large global survey were asked to evaluate countries throughout the world based upon whether they would want to live in a particular country and taking into account each country’s economic stability, immigration policy, and labor market. According to the survey’s results, Sweden is considered the best country for immigrants to live, with Canada receiving the 2nd highest rating and Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Norway, the United States, The Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark also included in the world’s top ten immigration destinations. The survey also reported that people who live in Canada generally enjoy the best quality of life in the world (regardless of whether they were born in Canada or immigrants). To read more, click here!

WHERE TO LIVE WHEN YOU MOVE TO CANADA

Are you looking for the perfect place to live in Canada? In July 2017, Macleans published its evaluation of 417 Canadian cities and towns which were rated according to home affordability, robust economy, high wealth and income, low crime, health accessibility, nice weather, low taxes, arts and community, and being transit friendly. Ranked among the 10 best places to live in Canada for 2017 were: Ottawa (Ontario), Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec), Oak Bay (British Columbia), North Saanich (British Columbia), Weyburn (Saskatchewan), Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville (Quebec), St. Albert (Alberta), Mont-Royal (Quebec), Burlington (Ontario), and Lévis (Quebec). Ottawa (population 974,701) is Canada’s capital city, has a median household income of $91,122 per year, and enjoys a low unemployment rate. To view the ranking and details for the 417 communities across Canada, click here!

CANADIAN EMPLOYMENT TRENDS FOR THE TOP 100 JOBS IN CANADA

Individuals who are looking for work in Canada can learn more about Canadian employment trends in a report posted May 29, 2017, on the CanadianBusiness.com website. The report lists 100 top jobs in Canada and contains details about each occupation’s median salary, 5-year trends for salaries and hiring, as well as each job’s outlook for the future. Information is provided for a variety of Canadian jobs in a range of business sectors, including the medical field, construction industry, information technology, engineering, finance, education, and natural resources. Examples of the median annual salaries for some of the best jobs in Canada listed in the report include: utilities manager ($112,320); director of public administration ($106,662); mining and forestry manager ($100,006); pharmacist ($102,398); university professor ($91,998); software engineer ($90,001); pipefitting supervisor ($89,398); financial manager ($86,236); secondary school teacher ($83,200); and registered nurse ($74,880). To view the full list and details for 100 top Canadian jobs, click here!

UNITED NATIONS GIVES CANADA HIGH MARKS FOR HAPPINESS

Individuals living in Canada are the 7th happiest people on the planet, according to the United Nations World Happiness Report which was released in March 2017. The UN assessed the happiness of people living in 155 countries, based upon their freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy at birth, real GDP per capita, diversity, perception of corruption, and generosity. Norway was named the world’s #1 happiest country, with people living in Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Finland, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden also included among the top 10 happiest countries. To read more, click here!